The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of the finest privately owned collections of art in the United States. The collection was accummulated by Isabella Stewart Gardner. The museum is house in a recreation of a Venetian palace and quite beautiful. Isabella Stewart Gardner (1840 to 1924) was a highly respected patron of the arts who accummulated her collection as she traveled the world with her businessman husband. She also befriended many of the artist represented in her museum such as Whistler and Sargent. Isabella Stewart Gardner held a particular love for Venice, hence the Venetian architecture and strong representation of Venetian painters like Titian her museum. Other artist works include Rembrandt, Raphael, Botticelli and Picasso. Titian’s “Europa” is often considered to be the finest work of this great painter in America. The museum also has a strong collection of decorative arts from cultures across the globe. The building is especially noteworthy for its brilliant courtyard where you will want to linger after viewing the artworks. Sadly the museum was the location of one of the most famous art thefts in history when theives entered the premises disguised as policeman and made off with a Vermeer, two Rembrandts and other minor works. They have yet to be recovered. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. It cost $11.00 for an adult to visit the gallery on weekends and $10.00 on weekdays.